DIY Summer Reading Calendars

I must confess, I have been a naughty mom and haven't been having my children read every day this summer.  :0. To help get us back on track, I created reading calendars for them to reinforce daily activity.  

Cricut Explore File: https://us.cricut.com/design/#/canvas/41970692

The calendars were created using Cricut cartridge Designer's Calendar.  I cut the base out of various cardstock.

I added the days to the calendar using the print and cut feature on sticker paper using my Cricut Explore.  You can have your little ones help with this portion of the project.  It's fun for them to place the stickers on in addition to reinforcing counting.

I flattened a book image and print and cut them on sticker paper as well.

  My children will place a sticker on each day that they complete their reading activity.

Ready.  Set.  Read!

Paper Succulent Terrarium and Cards

I recently redecorated my main living spaces and purchased a beautiful succulent centerpiece.  I love it so much that it inspired me to create a paper version and coordinating cards.

Materials Used:

• Cricut Cartridges Botanical Prints, Flower Shoppe, Bridal Shower
• Paper Doilies
• Vellum
• Cuttlebug embossing folder Wood Grain
• Donna Salazar Butcher Block & Blossoms cardstock
• Recollections Kraft cardstock paper
• Stampin' Up! Notebook punch
• My Pink Stamper stamps and Texas Chocolate Ink
• Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Crushed Olive and Worn lipstick
• Tattered Angels Viva Pink glimmer mist
• Stampin' Up! Whisper White craft ink
• Stampin' Up! Linen thread

All images were cut using my Cricut Explore and images from the Cricut Library.  The terrarium was created from a diamond box from the cartridge Bridal Shower.  I simply spliced in some triangles for the terrarium windows.  The real photo images of the various succulents are from the digital cartridge Botanical Prints.  My succulents were pieced together from flowers and petals from the cartridge Flower Shoppe. 

Mini Wooden Pallet Coasters

I wanted to make something creative that I though my hubby would actually use for Father's Day.   I came across this project on a blog and knew I had to make my version. =)

Each pallet has the D.O.B. of each of our children.

I used my Cricut Explore to make the pallet "markings".  The Cricut Explore can cut vinyl super tiny.  The marking are only .5" high!

I used Tim Holtz distress inks in several colors to add an aged/weathered look.   I also added mini nails for a more authentic look.  To seal the wood, I used a thin layer of Mod Podge so the distress ink colors wouldn't run once the glasses sweat.  You could also use real stain.  I chose the inks because I could create a variety of patterns/colors.

MATERIALS:

1.  Two (2) 1/2″ x 1/2″ x 36″ square dowels.
2.  Three (3) 1/2″ x 1/4″ x 36″ rectangular dowels.
3.  Adhesive of choice.  I used E600.  Other options would be wood glue or hot glue.
4.  Mini nails to embellish with.
5.   A type of saw.  If you the balsam dowels from Michael's, you can also cut it with an exacto knife.
6. Inks or stain of your choice.  I used Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Iced Spruce, Forest Moss & Antique Linen.
7. To personalize, you will also need black vinyl and a cutting machine.  You could also stamp your markings.
8. Mod Podge (light single layer) to prevent ink colors from running once the drink sweats.

The wood used was a light balsam (purchased from Michael's).  The cost of the wood was about $12.  I already had everything else.  You can also use popsicle sticks with the rounded edges cut off.  The project is super easy and super cute.  Making the coasters takes about an hour.  Add one more hour if you want to weather and embellish.  I hope you give it a try! =)